Skip to main content

Featured

Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

article

New Tax Measures in 2024


The Canadian government has introduced new tax measures that will affect Canadians in 2024. These measures include the elimination of some short-term rental deductions, new alternative minimum tax rates, and changes to Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. The elimination of some short-term rental deductions was announced in the Fall Economic Statement (FES) and kicks in on Jan. 1. The federal government is now eliminating that tax break, denying operators of short-term rentals any income tax deductions for expenses if they operate in provinces or municipalities that have banned short-term rentals. In provinces that still allow short-term rentals, operators that are not compliant with local regulations and laws will also be denied the deduction.

The GST/HST exemptions will also be affected. The federal government announced it was taking the GST/HST off “professional services rendered by psychotherapists and counselling therapists.”

These changes are not expected to have a significant impact on most individuals, unless they’re high-income earners.

    

Comments